Politics, Economics, Civil and Reproductive Rights, International Conflicts - Think Atheist2018-02-22T07:26:53Zhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/forum/categories/politics-economics-civil-and/listForCategory?categoryId=1982180%3ACategory%3A146&feed=yes&xn_auth=noSpecial Twitter rules for Trump. Why?tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2017-05-11:1982180:Topic:16274062017-05-11T19:39:43.275ZUnseenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Unseen
<p>Believe it or not, Twitter has Terms of Service forbidding using twitter to harass or slander individuals.</p>
<p>So, <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/donald-trump-twitter-ban-rules-account-tweet-chuck-jones-indianapolis-union-a7463881.html" target="_blank">why does Donald Trump continue to have an account</a>?</p>
<p>Believe it or not, Twitter has Terms of Service forbidding using twitter to harass or slander individuals.</p>
<p>So, <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/donald-trump-twitter-ban-rules-account-tweet-chuck-jones-indianapolis-union-a7463881.html" target="_blank">why does Donald Trump continue to have an account</a>?</p> Losing my religiontag:www.thinkatheist.com,2017-04-25:1982180:Topic:16254752017-04-25T13:45:08.696ZDavid Bootshttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/DavidBoots
<p><span>Women and girls have been discriminated against for too long in a twisted interpretation of the word of God.</span></p>
<p><span>I HAVE been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world. So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an…</span></p>
<p><span>Women and girls have been discriminated against for too long in a twisted interpretation of the word of God.</span></p>
<p><span>I HAVE been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world. So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service.</span></p>
<p><span>This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths. Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple. This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women's equal rights across the world for centuries.</span></p>
<p><span>At its most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.</span></p>
<p><span>The impact of these religious beliefs touches every aspect of our lives. They help explain why in many countries boys are educated before girls; why girls are told when and whom they must marry; and why many face enormous and unacceptable risks in pregnancy and childbirth because their basic health needs are not met.</span></p>
<p><span>In some Islamic nations, women are restricted in their movements, punished for permitting the exposure of an arm or ankle, deprived of education, prohibited from driving a car or competing with men for a job. If a woman is raped, she is often most severely punished as the guilty party in the crime.</span></p>
<p><span>The same discriminatory thinking lies behind the continuing gender gap in pay and why there are still so few women in office in the West. The root of this prejudice lies deep in our histories, but its impact is felt every day. It is not women and girls alone who suffer. It damages all of us. The evidence shows that investing in women and girls delivers major benefits for society. An educated woman has healthier children. She is more likely to send them to school. She earns more and invests what she earns in her family.</span></p>
<p><span>It is simply self-defeating for any community to discriminate against half its population. We need to challenge these self-serving and outdated attitudes and practices - as we are seeing in Iran where women are at the forefront of the battle for democracy and freedom.</span></p>
<p><span>I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive areas to challenge. But my fellow Elders and I, who come from many faiths and backgrounds, no longer need to worry about winning votes or avoiding controversy - and we are deeply committed to challenging injustice wherever we see it.</span></p>
<p><span>The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by former South African president Nelson Mandela, who offer their influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity. We have decided to draw particular attention to the responsibility of religious and traditional leaders in ensuring equality and human rights and have recently published a statement that declares: "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable."</span></p>
<p><span>We are calling on all leaders to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices, no matter how ingrained, which justify discrimination against women. We ask, in particular, that leaders of all religions have the courage to acknowledge and emphasise the positive messages of dignity and equality that all the world's major faiths share.</span></p>
<p><span>The carefully selected verses found in the Holy Scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place - and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence - than eternal truths. Similar biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.</span></p>
<p><span>I am also familiar with vivid descriptions in the same Scriptures in which women are revered as pre-eminent leaders. During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn't until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted Holy Scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy.</span></p>
<p><span>The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter. Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><span>Jimmy Carter - president of the United States from 1977 to 1981.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p> HERE'S WHY SOCIALISM IS INEVITABLEtag:www.thinkatheist.com,2016-08-16:1982180:Topic:15985382016-08-16T19:28:32.993ZUnseenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Unseen
<p>When you run a business, what is your job? It's to make as much money for the owner as is possible under the law. It's not to give people jobs and it's not to play nice with the community. It's just to make money.</p>
<p>So, unless you want to give businesses a pass to do anything even if it has adverse effects on the community, you're going to institute some legal controls, which is socialism.</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>While conservatives tell us that we need to support business…</p>
</div>
<p>When you run a business, what is your job? It's to make as much money for the owner as is possible under the law. It's not to give people jobs and it's not to play nice with the community. It's just to make money.</p>
<p>So, unless you want to give businesses a pass to do anything even if it has adverse effects on the community, you're going to institute some legal controls, which is socialism.</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>While conservatives tell us that we need to support business because business=jobs, they aren't telling you the whole truth. Businesses hate giving people jobs. Labor is a necessary evil until it can be eliminated through increased efficiency and/or automation.</p>
<p>Think I'm wrong? Tell me how.</p>
</div> What could Europe have done differently to prevent Islamic terrorismtag:www.thinkatheist.com,2016-03-22:1982180:Topic:15797122016-03-22T16:53:38.529ZUnseenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Unseen
<p>This morning, Europe was hit with yet another dreadful terror attack, this time in Brussels. ISIS is claiming responsibility. </p>
<p>Many Americans would say that Europe's very liberal immigration policies vis a vis Muslims is partly to blame, and then the failure of European countries to integrate those Muslims into European society is another major reason, resulting in a generation of young Muslim men who are unemployed, idle, and resentful in lands where the feel they are trapped and…</p>
<p>This morning, Europe was hit with yet another dreadful terror attack, this time in Brussels. ISIS is claiming responsibility. </p>
<p>Many Americans would say that Europe's very liberal immigration policies vis a vis Muslims is partly to blame, and then the failure of European countries to integrate those Muslims into European society is another major reason, resulting in a generation of young Muslim men who are unemployed, idle, and resentful in lands where the feel they are trapped and have no future.</p>
<p>By contrast, the US's stricter immigration policies have kept a lot of potential terrorists out, and most American Muslims are relatively well-integrated into society as doctors, engineers, and other professionals, or at least as shopkeepers and taxi drivers earning a decent living and with prospects for the future.</p>
<p>Did Europe bring these terror attacks on itself? </p> Man goes on trial in Russia (of all places) for denying Godtag:www.thinkatheist.com,2016-03-04:1982180:Topic:15752862016-03-04T02:21:57.973ZUnseenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Unseen
<p>Viktor Krasnov was reported to police by two young men who objected to his language in the dispute, on the Russian social network VKontakte in 2014.</p>
<p>He was charged in Stavropol for having "insulted the feelings of worshippers".</p>
<p>Such "insults" were outlawed in 2013 after the Pussy Riot case, in which two punk performers were jailed. (<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35715325" target="_blank">source</a>)</p>
<p>Viktor Krasnov was reported to police by two young men who objected to his language in the dispute, on the Russian social network VKontakte in 2014.</p>
<p>He was charged in Stavropol for having "insulted the feelings of worshippers".</p>
<p>Such "insults" were outlawed in 2013 after the Pussy Riot case, in which two punk performers were jailed. (<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35715325" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> Mitt Romney's takedown of The Donaldtag:www.thinkatheist.com,2016-03-03:1982180:Topic:15754602016-03-03T22:29:22.128ZUnseenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Unseen
<p>This speech is probably actually a favor to Trump, whose supporters believe they've been let down by a feckless, impotent, and self-serving GOP establishment which jumps to the tune of big money interests. However, it's still fun to hear it done so deftly.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xd3kr-QpeM?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p>This speech is probably actually a favor to Trump, whose supporters believe they've been let down by a feckless, impotent, and self-serving GOP establishment which jumps to the tune of big money interests. However, it's still fun to hear it done so deftly.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xd3kr-QpeM?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p> Should Obama start referring to ISIS activities as genocidaltag:www.thinkatheist.com,2016-02-26:1982180:Topic:15737142016-02-26T23:01:41.715ZUnseenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Unseen
<p>Usually—or, rather, in the past—the word "genocide" has meant an effort to stamp out a race or ethnicity.</p>
<p>What about stamping out a religion, or any other religion than one's own? This is what ISIS is doing in the Middle East.</p>
<p>It's said that President Obama's administration hesitates to use that word because it would mean being under more intense pressure to do something about it. </p>
<p>I think this opens up a lot of questions which I'll let you guys raise. I'll just give you…</p>
<p>Usually—or, rather, in the past—the word "genocide" has meant an effort to stamp out a race or ethnicity.</p>
<p>What about stamping out a religion, or any other religion than one's own? This is what ISIS is doing in the Middle East.</p>
<p>It's said that President Obama's administration hesitates to use that word because it would mean being under more intense pressure to do something about it. </p>
<p>I think this opens up a lot of questions which I'll let you guys raise. I'll just give you this article for starters:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wnd.com/2015/09/congressman-why-wont-obama-call-isis-massacres-genocide/#tRkemudb28S62r6u.99" target="_blank">Congressman: Why won't Obama call ISIS massacres 'genocide'?</a></p>
<p><span> </span></p> I'll take Trumptag:www.thinkatheist.com,2016-02-26:1982180:Topic:15736912016-02-26T17:43:45.701ZUnseenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Unseen
<p>Early on, I never thought I'd have to make a choice like this. And don't get me wrong: when it comes to the presidential level, I ALWAYS vote Democrat. </p>
<p>However, between the three front-runners of Trump, Cruz, and Rubio, I'll take Trump because I think his "Christianity" is feigned whereas the other two are fundamentalist Christians who will justify Oval Office decisions with Bible passages and end of days beliefs.</p>
<p>What do you think?</p>
<p>Early on, I never thought I'd have to make a choice like this. And don't get me wrong: when it comes to the presidential level, I ALWAYS vote Democrat. </p>
<p>However, between the three front-runners of Trump, Cruz, and Rubio, I'll take Trump because I think his "Christianity" is feigned whereas the other two are fundamentalist Christians who will justify Oval Office decisions with Bible passages and end of days beliefs.</p>
<p>What do you think?</p> For Americans Onlytag:www.thinkatheist.com,2016-02-13:1982180:Topic:15712722016-02-13T16:52:11.478ZUnseenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Unseen
<p>We have a presidential campaign period that goes on overtly for two years before the election—and may actually start the day after a presidential inauguration. I, like many people, find this annoying. Other countries get things done in just a few months. </p>
<p>But how could we do it? You'll have to address the primary/caucus process for one thing. Do away with it in favor of a national primary day, perhaps.</p>
<p>Would you fund the primary winners entirely with government money? Would…</p>
<p>We have a presidential campaign period that goes on overtly for two years before the election—and may actually start the day after a presidential inauguration. I, like many people, find this annoying. Other countries get things done in just a few months. </p>
<p>But how could we do it? You'll have to address the primary/caucus process for one thing. Do away with it in favor of a national primary day, perhaps.</p>
<p>Would you fund the primary winners entirely with government money? Would each candidate get the same amount of would it depend on primary performance?</p>
<p>If you could have a do over as far as how we elect our President, what would your approach be?</p> Paris attack will boost Trumptag:www.thinkatheist.com,2015-11-16:1982180:Topic:15583312015-11-16T06:39:17.989ZUnseenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Unseen
<p>The GOP is hard line anyway and a lot of people will look at Donald Trump with his anti-immigration stance and his position that the nation needs firm borders or even a wall, then look at Paris, and think Trump got it right. </p>
<p>I'm betting his poll numbers go up post the Paris attack.</p>
<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/trump-surges-among-likely-republican-primary-voters-reuters-213521679.html" target="_blank">His poll numbers were up dramatically in a poll announced on Friday.</a></p>
<p>The GOP is hard line anyway and a lot of people will look at Donald Trump with his anti-immigration stance and his position that the nation needs firm borders or even a wall, then look at Paris, and think Trump got it right. </p>
<p>I'm betting his poll numbers go up post the Paris attack.</p>
<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/trump-surges-among-likely-republican-primary-voters-reuters-213521679.html" target="_blank">His poll numbers were up dramatically in a poll announced on Friday.</a></p>